SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A person who tied a large alligator to a tree in Southwest Miami-Dade near a canal could be facing jail time.
7SkyForce HD flew over the scene at the Snapper Village Complex, near Sunset Drive and 117th Avenue, Thursday. The nine-foot, four-inch alligator was tied up to a tree with duck tape around its snout close to the canal.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene and an official trapper eventually took the gator away.
Officials with FWC reminded community members that if there is an alligator they consider either a threat or a pest, they should call officials. Do not take matters into your own hands.
“Unfortunately, whoever did this, tied the alligator up incorrectly, causing some damage to the skin, stressing the alligator out,” said FWC officer Lorenzo Veloz. “We obviously ask everyone to, please, if you do come across an alligator, reach out to FWC. We will take care of him.”
Residents in the area said the alligator has often been seen in the area eating small animals.
“Probably responsible for a lot of dead ducks in the neighborhood,” Ramon Furelos, a resident of the community said.
Another neighbor said the person may have been scared of alligator attacking someone.
“They thought the gator was posing a threat to dogs and humans, which it can be,” said Eric, who lives nearby.
“Why would somebody do that? ‘Cause you’re crazy,” one neighbor said.
If officials identify the person who tied up the alligator, they could face charges.
The alligator will be transported to an alligator farm or could be released back into the wild.
“Those animals were here before us, so it’s nice to know it’s gonna go live it’s life,” Eric said.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.